Some traditions don’t need reinvention.
They simply return each year, bringing together locals, visitors and generations of families who know exactly where they’ll be when the procession begins.
That was the case on Sunday in Puerto de la Cruz, where the annual maritime procession of the Virgen del Carmen “Chiquita” and San Telmo “Chiquito” once again filled the harbour with faith, tradition and a strong connection to the town’s fishing heritage.
A celebration rooted in the sea
Organised by the Puerto de la Cruz Fishermen’s Guild, the event began with the two small religious figures leaving the guild’s headquarters, where they are kept throughout the year.
From there, the procession made its way around the harbour, attracting large crowds of residents and tourists who gathered to watch one of the municipality’s most cherished traditions.
The procession reflects Puerto de la Cruz’s long-standing relationship with the sea and the fishing industry that helped shape the town long before tourism arrived.
A memorable moment at the harbour
The highlight of the celebration came when the images were carefully carried aboard the waiting boats for their traditional journey across the water.
As the procession reached the bathing area, swimmers already in the sea joined in with the celebrations in their own way, splashing the water and cheering as the saints were loaded onto the boats.
It wasn’t organised or rehearsed, just one of those genuine moments that seem to happen naturally during local fiestas.
Cooler weather helped the celebrations
The weather also played its part.
Northern Tenerife’s familiar ‘panza de burro’, the blanket of low cloud that often covers the coast during summer, helped keep temperatures comfortable despite it being late July.
Rather than spoiling the day, the cloud cover provided welcome relief from the heat, making conditions ideal for both participants and spectators along the waterfront.
One of Puerto de la Cruz’s most treasured traditions
The procession passed without any incidents, rounding off another successful celebration of one of Puerto de la Cruz’s most important religious and cultural events.
For locals, it’s a chance to honour the Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo, the patron saints closely associated with fishermen and seafarers.
For visitors, it’s an opportunity to experience a tradition that has remained an important part of life in Puerto de la Cruz for generations, offering a glimpse of the town’s history beyond its beaches and hotels.